Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Porcupine Mountains, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Porcupine Mountains, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America by month

January

January in Porcupine Mountains can be dangerously cold, very snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Porcupine Mountains is beyond freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

In March, Porcupine Mountains is very cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Porcupine Mountains, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

In April, Porcupine Mountains is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Porcupine Mountains, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May in Porcupine Mountains is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you visit Porcupine Mountains during June, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

July

Traveling to Porcupine Mountains in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

August

August in Porcupine Mountains is warm and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

September

September in Porcupine Mountains is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

October

October in Porcupine Mountains is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

In November, Porcupine Mountains can be brisk, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Porcupine Mountains, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

In December, Porcupine Mountains is biting cold, very snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Porcupine Mountains, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Porcupine Mountains. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Porcupine Mountains, Michigan, United States of America

The Porcupine Mountains in Michigan, USA boast some of the most stunning natural beauty in the Midwest. Known locally as “The Porkies,” these mountains offer unparalleled scenic vistas and outdoor recreational activities that draw tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Michigan, here are the top tourist attractions in the Porcupine Mountains that you won’t want to miss.

1. Lake of the Clouds

Arguably the most famous spot in the entire Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds is a stunningly beautiful lake that sits high atop a ridge overlooking the valley below. The view here is breathtaking, especially at sunset, when the colors of the sky and the lake’s reflections combine to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Be sure to bring your camera and snap plenty of photos – this is a spot you’ll want to remember forever.

2. Summit Peak Observation Tower

If you want to take in the panoramic views of the entire Porcupine Mountains range, head to Summit Peak Observation Tower, the highest point in the park. From the top of the tower, you’ll be able to see Lake Superior and the Ottawa National Forest, as well as miles and miles of pristine forests, lakes, and mountains.

3. Presque Isle River

The Presque Isle River is one of the most popular spots for hiking and water activities in the park. The river winds through a deep gorge, offering a variety of waterfalls, rapids, and pools that are perfect for swimming, fishing, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing lunch alongside the river.

4. Union Bay

If you’re looking for a spot to swim, boat, or sunbathe, Union Bay is the place to be. This picturesque beach on the shores of Lake Superior boasts crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches that are perfect for a family day out. There’s also a boat launch and marina, so you can take your own boat out onto the lake to explore.

5. Ancient Carp River Trail

If you’re a fan of hiking, don’t miss the Ancient Carp River Trail, which winds through some of the park’s most ancient and pristine forests. Along the way, you’ll pass cascading waterfalls, wildlife hotspots, and even some historic mining ruins. This trail is also a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

Overall, the Porcupine Mountains offer a one-stop-shop for outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Plan your trip early to ensure you make the most of these top attractions in this breathtaking corner of Michigan.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan, Bordeaux, France, Breede River Valley, South Africa, Oberhausen, Germany, Mexico, Maine, United States of America, Nyala, Sudan, Hurricane, Utah, United States of America, Pargas, Finland, Uçhisar, Turkey, and Lancaster, England, United Kingdom.